Laboratory determination of hydraulic anisotropy of dense graded asphalt concrete

Abstract

Dense graded asphalt concrete is widely used in roads as support structure for vehicle loads, however, is also used for hydraulic purposes in canal linings as well as faces and cores of dams. In the design stage of these constructions it is necessary to have the permeability data of the materials that will be used and, although in some cases it is sufficient to know this parameter in only one direction, in others it is necessary to have it in two directions. This research presents test results of axial permeability in constant head permeameter and the design a of radial permeability test device in asphalt concrete made for hydraulic purposes. As a result it was determined that the compaction process of asphalt concrete, applied in one direction, causes the material to have anisotropic behavior from the hydraulic point of view, resulting in anisotropy ratios 7.1 to 10.4, for the studied asphalt mixture.